Using Your Emotional Intelligence to Exercise Smarter

Over the last few years, the topic of emotional intelligence has been in the forefront of psychological research. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a concept that describes your ability to perceive, use, understand, and manage your emotions. Sport psychologists are interested in how EI affects exercise participation and peak sports performances.

It is suggested that people with high EI are well-aware of their emotions and know how to use them to their advantage. Though some theorists believe that EI is comprised of traits that you are born with, many also believe that EI is a skill that can be learned, one that you can enhance with awareness and practice over time.

Here’s an example of the use of EI, from one of my recent workouts… I very much enjoy taking morning exercise classes at my health club. They give me a great physical workout in a social setting and leave me feeling really good about all the effort I put forth. This particular class was challenging, and I was proud of my effort. As the class was winding down, the instructor changed the style of the music from loud and invigorating to calm and relaxing. I enjoy listening to this kind of music while slowing down my heart rate. A grin usually appears on my face at this time, and I eagerly look around the room to share my joy with the other participants. Smiles are usually returned and I feel ready to begin my day.

During this predictable and anticipated moment of bliss, one of the participants shares a story with the instructor. She speaks of a recent, harrowing family event. This disclosure prompts another classmate to share a related negative experience and I suddenly feel sad and frustrated. My euphoria was lost in a matter of seconds!

Fortunately, I was quick to recognize the shift and able to regain my joy. It took self-awareness of my own emotional state, perception of the effect of the environment, and some cognitive strategies to put myself back in my happy place. These strategies included the use of positive self-talk, a refocusing on my body sensations, conscious awareness of the calming music, and a distancing from the ensuing conversation.

This sustained, post-workout, positive emotional state is important for adherence to exercise. If you feel good during and after a workout, you are more likely to want to do it again. This reinforcement is what keeps many people working out regularly and reaping the numerous mental and physical health benefits of exercise.

So next time you are working out, think about your own EI. All you need to do is check-in with yourself to assess how you are feeling. Try to be aware of what you are thinking. Reflect on how these factors affected you before, during, and after your workout. Once you are aware of the mood state that is optimal for you, the more you will be able to use your thoughts and feelings to generate your own peak performances on a more regular basis. Remember, skills take practice and patience, so be good to yourself in the process!